🔥 Why the CAPITALS Are All-In on Sourdif, Chisholm & $9M in Cap Moves

In the aftermath of the 2025 NHL Draft, the Washington Capitals wasted no time shaping their roster for next season. They acquired 23-year-old forward Justin Sourdif from Florida, a player they had long targeted, giving up a second- and sixth-round pick. Sourdif, who tallied 34 points in 43 AHL games and added 10 more in the playoffs, is expected to play full-time in the NHL next season. The move signals a strong belief in his potential as a middle-six forward with grit and offensive upside. The team also traded for 25-year-old defenseman Declan Chisholm, adding needed depth on the blue line after playoff injuries exposed their vulnerability. With Alex Alexeyev unlikely to be qualified, Chisholm is now poised to compete for a key spot in the bottom pair. The Capitals are navigating over $9 million in cap space heading into free agency, weighing whether to pursue one major addition or spread that money across several versatile pieces. Conversations are still ongoing with UFAs like Mangiapane, Beauvillier, and Raddysh, while RFAs Hendrix Lapierre and Ivan Miroshnichenko are expected to push for bigger NHL roles. Prospect development and roster flexibility are key themes, and with Connor McMichael’s position versatility, the Capitals have options. With a mix of veteran targets and rising prospects like Andrew Cristall ready to challenge for a spot, Washington’s retooling effort is just getting started. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now, new FanDuel customers can get $150 in Bonus Bets if your first $5 bet wins! FANDUEL DISCLAIMER : 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.